Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013: 10 breathtaking entries

Updated 1:48 AM ET, Thu October 17, 2013

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 201310 photos

Essence of elephants, Greg du Toit (South Africa) – The winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year have been announced. The annual competition, co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide, picks the best wildlife photos around the world "for their creativity, artistry and technical complexity."More than 100 photos will be on display at London's Natural History Museum from 18 October, 2013-23 March, 2014, before embarking an international tour.

Wildlife Photographer of the YearGreg du Toit (South Africa)Essence of elephantsSouth African photographer Greg du Toit beats almost 43,000 entries to become the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013 for his photo "Essence of elephants.""Greg's image immediately catapults us to African plains," said Jim Brandenburg, the chair of the judging panel. "This image stood out for both its technical excellence and the unique moment it captures -- it is truly a once in a lifetime shot."Du Toit's shot was taken in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana after spending a decade on a quest to perfect the shot of an elephant herd.photo courtesy Greg du Toit/Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year 201310 photos

Udayan Rao Pawar (India)-Mother's little headful – Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013Udayan Rao Pawar (India)Mother's little headfulThe 14-year-old captured the scene of gharial crocodiles on the banks of the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, India."When dawn broke I saw this scene. The mother rose to the surface from the murky depths of the river in response to the guttural calls of hatchlings, which then rushed towards her and climbed over her exposed head," said Pawar.

photo courtesy Udayan Rao Pawar/Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013